Saturday, February 28, 2009

DIGITAL DISASTER

No pictures with this post. It's more of an editorial comment. Sometimes I wish that we could return to the good ol' days of traditional art, where paint was wet. Now is one of those times. It takes so long to create a Trowbridge episode, because of the different steps, writing it, scribing it, penciling in the illustration, and painting it, which can really take a long time.

So because of all that time, I can't usually get an episode posted every week. In this case it is into the third week.

And now it's gone, just like that, all those hours.

Jacquie prepares the episodes for posting on the blog. About five minutes ago she was selecting the thumbnail from my completed painting. She hit "save" by accident, and, POOF... my art disappeared. Now all I have is a thumbnail. I had painted a "family quilt" on a bed that Mrs. T had made for her youngest son, Nils. It took a long time to render the designs on the quilt.

I've learned that if you don't strictly follow the rules you'll pay for your lack of due diligence. With our maps we always have a copy, just in case something like this happens, but I haven't done that with my Trowbride paintings. I guess I'll have to do that from now on, even with Trowbridge.

I was already into the third week between episodes, and now I have to start over, so it's going to be a long time between episodes this time. I guess I'll probaby take the quilt episode and repaint it, so I don't have to start from scratch. I thought I would share my frustration and grief with my fellow PBs.

Thursday, February 26, 2009

CBC Reveals ‘Children’s Choice’ Finalists

I just received an email from Sylvan Dell Publishing telling me Sort it Out, a book I illustrated, is on the list of finals for the Children's Choice Finalist award! I am so fortunate to work for such a great publisher and to have been able to illustrate the wonderful story written by Barbara Mariconda.

It would be such an honor for all of us to receive this award. Such a great team to work with!





Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Creating an icon for the post title


This icon was created by Sherry Rogers for our Picture Bookie website and blog. If all goes well and the code works this little icon will show up next to our Post Titles each time we create a new post for our blog.

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Creating Art - The Journey

As a kid and adult I have always loved space ships.This is one of four pieces I have been working on recently. The journey of a boy, his dog and their space ship.



http://Sherry-Rogers.com

Friday, February 20, 2009

Good Reviews can make you very happy....*:)


READY SET REVIEWS just gave me my present for the day. Actually it comes via the publisher who submitted the book for review.

Here is a link to the review of MY AFRICAN BEDTIME RHYMES by Brettell Hone and illustrated by me.
I was treated to a rare and wonderful experience working with the South African publisher, SHAMWARI and with Brettell.
My African Bedtime Rhymes.

One of the benefits of a good review is good sales... and good sales mean another book will be forthcoming *:)

Thursday, February 19, 2009

Review - Paws, Claws, Hands and Feet

This is why I love to illustrate children's books. THE KIDS!! Just love this interview!

Armchair Interviews - February 2009



I have a new favorite book. It’s the delightful Paws, Claw, Hands, and Feet by Kimberly Hutmacher and illustrated by Sherry Rogers. The children’s book is written in an almost frenetic (I chose to read it to my granddaughter that way) rhyme that gave me and Greer the giggles. Actually Greer emitted real belly laughs. The animals run, jump, leap, hop and rest, just like people do. It’s a fun-filled day with a variety of animals. When the busy day is done, a little boy snuggles under the covers to take a much-needed rest. Paws, Claws, Hands, and Feet is the perfect bedtime book. It provides some quiet (or not so quiet) time before bed and will delight the kids who will probably laugh out loud and ask for it every evening. The illustrations are so bright and beautiful they reach out and not only grab your attention, but hang on tight.


Armchair Interviews says: Read the book and then work on the various activities supplied at the back of the book.


Go to review online

http://Sherry-Rogers.com

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Spring Cleaning... Website update


I took some time to update my website for Spring 2009. There are still some tweaks going on, but most of the site is live and working now af Ginger Nielson Illustrations

Sherry Rogers - New Art


I will try to post some of my latest illustrations over the next few days. Here is an illustration I completed a couple of weeks ago.

http://www.sherry-rogers.com
http://www.wendylynn.com

Spring is a time for Sorting it Out!

Posting on the Spring theme. Here is an illustration from a book I illustrated called Sort it Out! Which is published by Sylvan Dell Publishing and written by Barbara Mariconda.



http://www.sherry-rogers.com/

Spring is coming!

Just a quick post to place something here after way too long. I figured this is Springy enough. It's snowing here now in Northern Virginia, but I know Spring isn't far off. I'm looking forward to it.

Sunday, February 15, 2009

LOOKY BOOK

I had never heard of this site until a few minutes ago when my brother-in-law sent it to me. Maybe all of you already know about it, but in case you don't, here it is. I might give this some serious consideration. What a great idea, for readers, authors and illustrators...

http://www.lookybook.com/

Saturday, February 14, 2009

SPRING THINGS



Yes, it is time for the spring mailers. This is one I am thinking of sending. I like the way the colors are so brilliant in RGB, but am always a bit saddened by the conversion to CMYK for printing. I try to use colors these days that convert more easily but every once in a while I want a color that doesn't quite have the ZING I want.

Saturday, February 7, 2009

Seven.......more things

Seven things... only seven?


1.) My family, of course, everyone of them from the oldest (94) to the youngest, (just one year) at least that is the youngest we are currently aware of.

2.)MAGIC... I don't care how simple the trick, I love magic and I love to keep guessing and I love to be totally stumped!



3.)Being an illustrator of children's books. My life long dream came true and I am living it.

4.)Chocolate...this has a place on any list I create. It often winds up on the shopping list too.


5.)Dogs...they are so loyal and loveable. I could name them all but then I would be out of blog space. AND don't forget to watch the Westminster Kennel Club competition this coming Mon. and Tues. Last years best in show was .... FINALLY .. A BEAGLE!!!

6.)Teaching. I really enjoy working with young people, little ones especially, but all age groups have a special place in my heart.

7.)Friends...without my dear friends and their support I might not find the constant joy that I do even on a bad day.

Seven things I Love

1) First and foremost, my wonderful husband and my children Josh and Rachel. They are my true meaning of joy. Sounds corny. . .but it's true.

2) I love being outside in my yard whether I am gardening or eating a meal. It's my favorite spot to just hang out.

3) I love my studio. Despite the fact that I do love being outside and would have my computer outside if I could. . .I love being in here creating.

4) I love my friends. I would be lost without my friends. I connect with some on a daily basis here on line and they are truly the ones that keep me together. Others I see once or twice a month and some every few years. But man without every single one of them. . .life would not be worth living.

5) My two dogs and two cats. Luke is our thirteen year old yellow lab. Lazy, lovable and always in the mood to be loved on. Billy is our six year old Tibetan Terrier who thinks he needs to guard the house from outsiders and is my constant companion where ever I am. Lucy our fifteen year old calico cat is a talker and each time I go by her she calls out to me to come and pay attention to her. And last but not least our fourteen year old yellow tabby Margie who used to be our hunter, but as she aged prefers to sit in her bed and just watch the world go by.

6) My 2002 Ford Explorer. I wanted an Explorer since they came out and in 2003 I finally got my dream. It's my favorite car I have ever owned and I will keep it till it can't go down the street anymore.

7) My home. I am painter and a sewer. I have painted all the rooms and sewn all the drapes, curtains and pillows. It has taken me many many years to be able to have the home of my dreams. . .and I love it.

And all of the above makes my life complete. . .

Kreativ Blogger Award From Roz

The Picture Bookies have received the Kreativ Blogger award from our great friend Roz Fulcher. Visit her blog and check out her wonderful felt art



Along with the award came a tag to name 7 things we love. So to all the Picture-Bookies I send out an invitation to participate. . .I will be doing mine right after this post!

Thanks Roz!